Pet Enrichment Therapy

Aspen Valley Hospital's Pet Therapy Program was initiated by Rita Cohen, RN, in 2001. Today, 16 different dogs visit Aspen Valley Hospital patients on a regular basis. The dogs' demographics range from young to old, large to small, and from rescued mixed breeds to purebreds. But they all share some important characteristics: good health, mellow temperaments, excellent manners, and a love of people.

While most patients enjoy a visit from a canine therapist — most of them miss their own pets while hospitalized — those who wish to pass can simply opt out of the visit. The benefits for those who enjoy dogs, a lower blood pressure, less stress, distraction from pain and discomfort, and a general sense of wellbeing, can be expected. And for staff, the PET therapists are a welcome sight. "The dogs make every day a little brighter. They enjoy all the attention, and they return the favor with sweetness and love," said one employee.